From Plump to Pumped!
If you ever wondered what a difference losing 113 pounds can make, just look at Devilish_Patsy, who in addition to improving her health now also has more energy and confidence, and higher self-esteem. You can judge for yourself how great she looks by checking out her before and after shots.
1. What made you decide to lose weight this time? Did you have an "Ah Ha!" moment?
I started to gain extra weight during my husband’s illness in 2005. After I found it difficult to cross my legs and hard to keep up with my granddaughter at play, I finally realized there was no magic answer. I subsequently lost 45 lbs in 2006 after the devastating loss of my husband of 14 years. I had developed weight-related health problems, which led my doctor to prescribe me medication but I realized that there were alternatives outside of medication that would lead to a healthier lifestyle.
The need for better health, the desire to begin a new social life, and the approaching 50th birthday hit me all at once. Something had to change. In July 2007, at 48 yrs old, I met with fitness trainer Susan Ball to discuss personal goals to lose 50 lbs before my 50th birthday.
2. What other "diets" (programs, products, plans, or services) had you tried in the past?
In the past I had tried the Stillman all protein diet, various “lose-weight-quick” diets and Nutrisystem.
3. What changes did you make to your usual diet, activity, lifestyle, and attitude?
I started resistance and cardio training with Susan 3-5 times a week. I began to keep a food journal logging my nutritional endeavors daily. In less than one month, I began to feel better emotionally and physically. As a former all-day food-grazer I changed the way I looked at food. Junk food, fast foods and red meat have been traded for lean chicken, fish, fruits and vegetables... all washed down with plenty of water. By February 2008, Susan and I working together as a team, I reached my goal of a 50 lb weight loss. Pleased with my progress, my doctor no longer recommended medication, but I was not finished with weight loss just yet. I went on to lose a total of 113 lbs and am currently in a healthy BMI range and within 5 lbs of my goal weight.
4. How did Calorie Count help you to lose weight?
Calorie count helped by providing me with the tools to help myself. I am responsible for "saving" myself and losing weight. No one else can do it for me. Calorie count provided a way to log my food and exercise. It also provided a host of excellent information via the forums. We have an incredible amount of intelligent, fitness-savy members in the forums!
5. What was most challenging about losing weight?
The most challenging thing is realizing that I have the power to change my life. Each food choice is a conscious choice... do I choose something with wonderful protein or do I choose something with a little fat in it? It's all a choice.
6. How long did it take you to see results?
Immediately... within four weeks I started seeing results.
7. When did you realize that you were a success?
With my first monthly weigh-in and measurements, I claimed success in lost pounds and lost inches. With each subsequent weigh-in and measurement, I was delighted with my success. Clothing is much looser now, and I feel much healthier!
8. How do you prevent relapse?
I am a huge believer in the power of motivation. I focus on my goals and keep my eye on the prize... a healthier lifestyle.
9. How has your life changed now that you've lost weight?
I am no longer shy in front of a camera. Along with a healthier lifestyle and new outlook on life, I am enjoying many activities, including a new love for Salsa dancing. I have more energy now than when I was in my 20's! You are never too old to take on new adventures. I have a future goal to compete in my first Body Building competition.
10. What five tips do you have for other dieters?
- Re-think your lifestyle. People ask if I am dieting, I tell them that is a four-letter word, I do not believe in diets, I believe in a healthy lifestyle.
- Move your Body. Working out has changed my life. I put myself in my trainer's hands and she molds me with strength training. I have gone from a size 24 to a size 4. I do some form of exercise every day, either in the gym or out in the fresh air.
- Drink plenty of water. I am constantly drinking water to keep my body hydrated and to flush out fat cells.
- Keep a Food Journal. I log everything I eat and drink down on paper and also online, even when I go above my 1200 calories a day, I write it down. It is like a checkbook, you shouldn't spend what you don't have.
- Most importantly - maintain a POSITIVE ATTITUDE! You can do it!
If you would like us to feature your success story, you can submit it here. The most insightful stories will be featured on this blog and in the weekly "Success Stories" newsletter.
Comments
It is a great story. I currently am at a size 20 but cannot seem to get myself in gear and on a track to a healthy lifestyle. I commend you for doing such a fantastic job. Maybe one day I will have a success story of my own to share. Kudos to you.
Its always nice to hear when people succeed at a healthier lifestyle. You look amazing and you will inspire a great deal of people especially women. All the best to your new lifestyle. Keep it up and when you look in the mirror see that lean beautiful person and smile.
Your story is inspiring to men also. Congratulations. I follow a similar path and I am encouraged by the results of your lifestyle changes.
My sincere sympathy extended for your loss and also my awe and congratulations at becoming successful in this endeavor. WOW! Your before and after pix are so motivating! They look a Biggest Loser TV program set of pictures and you did it by yourself. Your grand prize as winner in this battle are your results! I can really really see how you feel too...I can see you are healthy and confident and happy....it is so obvious. Once again I am seeing the importance of the food journal I've used before and now realize I need to restart that again and also the importance of exercising and drinking my water. Thank you for sharing your story as you have helped me to keep going until I can also say I'm "5 lbs away from my goal". I'd just been maintaining my weight loss from 2 yrs ago and now want to use your advice and example both to get to my own finish line. :) Good job...no....GREAT job!! :)
You look Great!! Congradulations, your story is so inspirational and solid proof that it can be done. I have about the same to lose and I hope I can accomplish my goal with the same positive attitute.
Thank you for sharing with us. I am sorry for your loss and it know it had to make your road seem so much longer. Keep up the good work.
You look tremendous. Isn't it also true that with all that weight loss, you have also GAINED muscle which means you have lost even that much more weight in fat? Not sure, but I think that is true -- and that would make your weight loss even more impressive. Amazing. I am trying to go from size 8 to size 4 (I am short) and can't seem to seem to get there. You went from 24 to 4. Wow.
Because of you......I can see myself......for the first time.......walking into a gym.
*gulp* all those eyes...staring at hugh me?!!? *gulp*
Thank you for telling your story.
Patsy, you deserve recognition for what you've accomplished. You're such a wonderful example of how a person can improve their life, even when terrible tragedy has struck them. I wish you many, many years of health and happiness!
PS - you are SO right about the 4 letter word!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
For sharing and proving its all possible...
Best of luck to you!!!
You are beautiful, Inside and Out! I'm sure you will be successful in your Body Building competition, too. You Rock!!!
I love seeing success stories like this.. overcoming so many emotional and physical obstacles as you have, you are an inspiration to many and you should be incredibly proud of yourself! You look amazing! :)
Wow !! you look stunning !
Having lost 7 stone and due to stress put it all back on you have just inspired me to get my azz into gear again and get lossing again.
Your a STAR !
Hey, I am 40 something myself and i closely resemble your before pics. I am 4'10 and I have 110 pounds to lose. I have only really been serious about this for a couple weeks now, when I joined a gym and decided I wasn't getting any younger. Seeing that you did it is incredibly inspirational. This little voice in the back of my head keeps telling me that I am too old to lose weight. But WOW! Look at you! Thank you!
I am inspired by your story! Im a whopping 350+, 38 year old female! I have a long ways to go to reach my goal. Im diabetic/high blood pressure. Thanks for telling your story of success. Its inspired me too. "I can do it!" Thanks! God Bless you.
Thank you all so very much for your kind comments. I am not quite sure how to react to all the wonderful things that have been said. I am just an ordinary woman who has a great amount of determination.
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.
wow you are tuly an inspiration. You let me know that this is possible, Keep up the great work!
I love your saying "The journal is like a checkbook, you shouldn't spend what you don't have." That is so true. You look great! Keep up the good work.
Shelia,
You look fantastic! I had the Gastric Bypass Surgery 8/2/06 and I still want to drop 50 lbs. I am having such a hard time! I am still on diabetic meds, blood pressure , cholesterol and diabetic preventive meds. I am so fed up with all this crap! I have started back to the gym and recently had to start getting testerone shots, because I was so run down. Any help or suggestions would be very grateful. Thanks,
George
you look great, you've obviously worked very hard and it's paying dividends for you - so bravo for that :)
but please explain - how exactly does one 'flush out fat cells' with water?
thanks!
Your story is truly motivating! You look healthy and fabulous! ha ha
Thanks for your tips as well--my goal is to incorporate such tips into my everyday life so that gradually, they will become second nature!
I am glad that you mentioned working out with a personal trainer...I know it can be expensive, but even a few sessions can get you hooked on weight training and making life long changes--and that is worth every penny!
I hope to post my results here someday--you have given me great incentive!
WOW--your muscles are still impressing me!
Hi, I am kimbailey.
I will be not quite sure to how a react in all the wonderful things that have been said in your blog.
-------------------
kimbailey
<a href="http://www.trainwithmeonline.com/programs.asp" rel="dofollow">workout routines</a>
Thank you for sharing your experience. Transparency is the first tool to gaining freedom from what has always held us back. I'm inspired by your ability to come out of a horrible situation and be a stronger, and better version of you. No one would have faulted you for laying low after such a devistating experience. Congratulations! You deserve to enjoy your life!! God Bless!
Patsy
You deserve each and every one of these compliments for your fantastic success!! Way to go ... you prove that it doesn't take "The Biggest Loser" to lose weight and be successful - it can be done at home with hard work and perseverance
I'm sure you are an inspiration to many others
Can't wait to see the body Building Competition pictures!! :)
Patsy,
Thanks for sharing your story. It is definitely inspiring and proves we can do anything we set our minds to. And a great reminder that we all make conscious choices every day in terms of our exercise and food patterns.
Way to go!
Congratulations on a great job. I started changing my life 4 weeks ago and have dropped 18 lbs. My main problem is sugar and salt. So I got rid of them. I also stopped eating all the fat. I'm 61 and I'm not going back again. I'm probably the stupidest woman on the face of the earth because it is easy for me to lose. It's hard for me to keep it off. This is it, I found Calorie count and because I am extremely competitive with myself, this helps. I signed up 3 days ago and each day I try to do better than the day before, weight wise and nutrition wise. I printed up your pictures and I'm using them for inspiration. Keep up the good work and I hope you realize that bodybuilding dream.
Yes, I feel that you have to commit to a lifestyle change for good. I have done that now and I feel so much better about myself. I think depression has a lot to do with eating. Just being healthy and making the right choices makes you feel so much better about yourself. I had that AHA moment this year in March and I have not looked back. Writing down everything I eat and drink helps me stay focused. I was a size 22 and now I'm down to an 18 on a 1200 to 1500 calorie a day lifestyle change. You inspire me and I know I will reach my goal because I've committed for life as you have.
After reading Bob Harpers "Are You Ready" I happened to read your article and found both my "Bob Book" and your story to be just what I needed to believe in myself. I made a weight loss lined graph, changed some of my ways in the kitchen I'd not realized were defeating me till I read Bob's book and I restarted my journal and became better at drinking water. I started June 1st Mon and lost 3 pounds the first week! I consider this to be the second to the last phase of my own health plan. This week I'm starting brisk walks ( one mile=16 minutes) 2Xday, weights 3x a wk. and swimming 5x a wk. My goal is to do this over summer (June, July and August) and hope to be at my goal weight by mid Sept. Oh...and I hear rewarding ourselves for our efforts is key so I'm buying myself something I've not had in over 12 yrs...a brand new pretty floral summer dress in a much smaller size...even if I have to fly somewhere for sunshine to wear it in September I WILL be wearing this dress! Thanks for your story. You have really done such a great job.
Wow Patsy, you look fantastic...and very inspirational...a good reminder it is not were we have been or what we have gone through...but it is making the next right choice...I realize by reading your story and seeing the before and after pictures that anything is possible as long as you believe in yourself and the process.....eat right, move to burn and build muscle, and keep a positive attitude...I know I have a long way to go, but I know I too can do it.
Patsy, You look fabulous girl! At 43 I felt like it was to late to make a change. Sharing your story has give me hope. Really motivating!
that's amazing
good for you!!
you have also increased your years (living wise) and you look younger
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